Part 5/9:
Driven by Revenue, Not User Benefit
Critics argue that the shift toward AI snippets and integration with shopping data is primarily driven by corporate profit motives. Google stands to earn more via ad revenue embedded in these AI responses and affiliate links, pushing users toward shopping products and sponsored content. The AI mode, which may include sponsored links or paid promotions, blurs the line between providing value and maximizing profit.
Moreover, the new AI features are believed to favor mainstream media outlets, giant corporations, and vetted social media sources, inherently reducing diversity of voices and independent perspectives. The consequence is a homogenized, sanitized version of the web that benefits Google's bottom line at the expense of a free and open internet.